Judge Susan Nelson has made it as clear as she possibly can: the lockout is over. NFL owners don’t seem to agree. It’s one thing to delay the enactment of transactions (signing free agents, making trades, etc.); it’s another to continue keeping the doors locked.

That, however, was the case in some NFL cities Thursday morning. According to the Washington Post , Redskins linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, defensive end Vonnie Holliday and center Casey Rabach showed up at the team’s facility Thursday, only to be turned away. “The doors are still closed and as I understand it, they will remain closed until the appeals process is completed,” Holliday said. “The courts made a ruling, and you would think that would carry more weight. Guys wanted to get back to work, resume getting physical therapy at the facility and train with our strength coaches, but the doors are still locked. It’s unfortunate that they’re choosing to handle it this way.”

Pro Football Talk reports that the same thing happened in Arizona and Miami. Players on those teams who showed up to workout were told that the league is waiting out the Eighth Circuit Court’s decision.

Given Nelson’s orders Wednesday night, keeping players out borders on owners being in contempt of the court. It would be somewhat surprising if all 32 teams choose to keep their facilities locked on Thursday, as that could spark legitimate accusations of collusion (and anger the courts). Having some teams welcome players and other teams turn them away only adds to the chaos, which, at this point, plays to the owners’ argument that they can’t possibly do business without knowing how the Eight Circuit will rule.

New coach, new system, new quarterback, even new yellow pants. Didn’t matter, it was the same old Redskins in 2010. The new quarterback never mastered the new coach’s new system, which is why there actually wound up being another new quarterback at the end of the season. Rex Grossman wasn’t much better than Donovan McNabb, but then again, Grossman had to work with the same ho-hum supporting cast as McNabb.

But enough about the offense. How about Washington’s disappointing defense? Albert Haynesworth was a cross between the Cowardly Lion and Tin Man. Instead of finding a phony wizard to help spark some soul-saving confidence within him at the end, the most expensive defensive tackle in history found himself suspended.

The team unofficially charged Haynesworth with Owensism (i.e. being a jerk). Haynesworth wasn’t the lone disappointment on D. The secondary let more big plays pass through than Broadway.

Mike Shanahan’s famous zone blocking scheme works just about anywhere. There’s no reason to think powerful but spry running back Ryan Torain can’t be a 1,200-yard back behind such a scheme. However, Shanahan needs better athletes at center, right guard and right tackle. C Casey Rabach does not elevate the game of those around him. RG Artis Hicks is valuable only as a utility backup. And RT Heyer is too upright and stiff in the knees.

Finding more fluid linemen, even if it means settling for other teams’ undersized dregs, would be a worthwhile endeavor for the Skins.

3. Defensive End There was talk that Adam Carriker had a strong season in 2010. Where’s the evidence? Carriker blended in like camouflage. Vonnie Holiday can still contribute in a limited backup role, but like with fellow end Phillip Daniels, age is a major issue.

It’s the NFL, where instant improvements are not only possible, but common. It helps having an adept coaching staff. Shanahan will be prepared for the D.C. scene in 2011 after being caught off-guard by the intense media in his debut season.

Still, a great coach can only go so far. The Redskins desperately need more talent at the skill positions if they want to give .500 a run.

Apparently, it’s Dump-On-Alex-Barron Day today. So we’ll tell you that, with three holding calls in the final 31 minutes against the Redskins Sunday Night (including the game-loser), the former Ram and now current Cowboy offensive tackles ranks second amongst all NFL players in holding penalties over the last five years.

“What he's decided to do is make a decision based all about him,” Fletcher told reporters. “It's no different than his attitude and his approach to last year's defense, about wanting everything to revolve around him and him making plays. And if it didn't benefit him, he wasn't really willing to do it."

In an interesting development, Shanahan told Haynesworth in February that he was free to find another place to work if that’s what he wanted and if he was willing to forget about the $21 million bonus he was due .

The Redskins also have continued to claim they haven’t been trying to trade Haynesworth.